Alfred G. Badger 1814-1892 Alfred Badger was a flute specialist who manufactured flutes in the mid 1840’s. He is famous for inventing a new cylindrical bore Boehm system flute in America. His flutes are still sought after by musicians and enthusiasts. He is...

Wallace Turnage Born: 1846 Died: 1916 The story of Wallace Turnage is quite an amazing one. As a slave at the age of seventeen in Alabama, Turnage attempted escape four times before successfully managing to walk 25 miles to an...

Ethel Cuff Black Born: 1890 Died: 1977 Ethel Cuff Black was an amazing soul, dedicated to the furtherance of her community and youth. While attending Howard University, she was chairwoman of the collegiate chapter of the YWCA. Later, along...

In celebration of Black History Month, each week in February, Cypress Hills Cemetery will be highlighting the achievements of various African American notables. James McCune Smith Born: April 18, 1813 Died: November 17, 1865 Renowned...

Elizabeth Jennings Graham Born: 1826 Died: 1902 One hundred and one years prior to Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat on the bus, Elizabeth Jennings Graham fought for her right to ride on a segregated New York City streetcar and...

Charlotte E. Ray Born: January 13th, 1850 Died: January 4th, 1911 Last week we featured a man who paved the way for African Americans in sports by breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. This week, we highlight another...

Jackie Robinson Born: January 31st, 1919 Died: October 24th, 1972 Jackie Robinson stepped out onto the baseball diamond at Ebbets Field on April 15, 1947 becoming the first African-American to play in Major League baseball. From that moment on, he broke the color...

James McCune Smith was born in 1813 in New York City. He was a physician, apothecary, as well as an active abolitionist. Most notably, Smith was the first African-American to earn a medical degree in the United States. For more info, visit this link:...

Joshua Daniel White was born in South Carolina, February 11, 1914. As an American singer/songwriter, he covered everything from blues to gospel to jazz to folk songs. He is also known for his acting as well as being a civil rights activist. For more info, visit this...